Archetypes of aquaculture development across 150 countries

Abstract

In this study we compile and integrate data on 42 indicators to examine the social, economic, governance and environmental conditions shaping aquaculture development across 150 countries, including the top 100 aquaculture producing countries. We apply cluster analysis to identify social-ecological archetypes of aquaculture development across these indicators. We also calculate the percentage of global aquaculture production within the quartile ranges of 15 indicators of singular relevance for development. This shows how much aquaculture production is taking place in countries performing low or high on key indices. For example, we show that 85% of global aquaculture production is taking place in countries with the highest or high climate risk, 74% in countries with the lowest or low environmental performance scores, and 90% in countries with the highest or high food supply variability. Our cluster analysis identifies four distinct archetypes driven by the 42 country-level indicators, which includes: climate risk, inland water area, coastal population, seafood consumption, trade balance, governance indices and environmental performance. We characterize the four archetypes as: Archetype 1 - Emerging aquaculture producers, Archetype 2 - Limited aquatic food engagement, Archetype 3 - Developing economy aquaculture producers, Archetype 4 - Wealthy economy aquaculture producers. We discuss this complexity of factors driving each archetype with country specific examples, as well as the utility of integrated social-ecological analysis for both continued aquaculture research and development practice. • 42 country-level indicators are compiled of social and environmental factors shaping aquaculture development across 150 countries. • We conduct an archetype analysis that classifies countries into groups with similar development profiles. • We identify four archetypes: 1 - Emerging aquaculture producers, 2 - Limited aquatic food engagement, 3 - Developing economy aquaculture producers, 4 - Wealthy economy aquaculture producers. • Findings inform the governance of aquaculture in countries with different sector profiles, risks, opportunities and social-ecological conditions. • The analysis shows that diverse data are needed to fully explain the sector's development, including social science, governance indicators, environmental data and economic conditions.

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